Monday, July 2, 2012

The PRI for 71 years ruled as a single party known for coercion and corruption, but also for building Mexico’s institutions and social services. It was often accused of stealing elections, most infamously the 1988 presidential vote. But PRI governments were also known for keeping a lid on organized crime, whose battles with government and each other under Calderon have taken more than 50,000 lives and traumatized the country.

Repeating a popular belief of many Pena Nieto supporters, Martha Trejo, 37, of Tampico said, “He’ll stabilize the cartels. He’ll negotiate so they don’t hurt innocents.”

Pena Nieto in his victory speech vowed he won’t make pacts with organized crime, but rather will focus on curbing violence.

Many predict he will build on Calderon’s economic and security strategies but, working with a more friendly congress, may have more success. The main test of a new PRI will be how it handles corruption.